New Microsoft brass 'extremely committed' to the Xbox

Back in November, when speculation about Microsoft's CEO pick was at fever pitch, Bloomberg posted a story about one of the candidates. Stephen Elop, the story said, would consider selling the Xbox business if he deemed it non-critical to Microsoft's strategy.

Elop wound up not getting the CEO job. That honor went to Satya Nadella. However, as TechCrunch reported last month, Elop will soon become head of the Devices & Studios division—the division that includes, among other things, the Xbox business. Is this appointment a sign of things to come?

Probably not, judging by the latest story over at Polygon. The site quotes Microsoft Studios chief Phil Spencer, who spoke at SXSW this week about Microsoft's top brass and their feelings concerning the Xbox. Here's what Spencer said:

In terms of Microsoft's commitment in the space, I know both Satya and Stephen Elop, I know them well. I've had explicit conversations with them about Microsoft's commitment to Xbox — they're extremely committed to Xbox.

Spencer went on to say that the Xbox is a "really critical brand for us as a company," and he repeated, "we are extremely committed to this product." Yeah, I get the sense that a sale or spinoff probably isn't in the works.

Now if only Microsoft could exhibit similar commitment about PC gaming. Alas, the recent departure of former Steam director Jason Holtman from Microsoft doesn't bode well on that front.